Porsche has set a new lap record at the Nurburgring with its latest 2024 Panamera, laying down a time of 7:24.17. This is a new record for the “luxury class” car.
The new model was piloted by Porsche test driver Lars Kern, beating the previous model’s lap time by 5.64 seconds. The car featured the optional Carbon Aerokit which is designed to reduce lift on the front axle, and wore Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres, measuring 275/35 on the front and 325/30 on the back.
Porsche says the car was a “pre-series” production version, however, it’s understood it was in complete factory trim aside from a roll cage and safety measures. Lars Kern spoke about the effort in a statement, saying:
“On the Nordschleife, the transverse dynamic capabilities of a car are particularly important. The new Panamera has made significant gains in this area. In technically demanding corner sequences in particular, such as between the ‘Hohe Acht’ and ‘Brünnchen’ sections of the track section, it responds with noticeably greater agility.”
The 2024 Porsche Panamera in top-spec form is the Turbo E-Hybrid. It’s propelled by a 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 hybrid that produces a combined output of 500kW. This is enough to see 0-100km/h done and dusted in just 3.2 seconds, while offering a top speed of 315km/h.
In Australia this variant is priced from a dizzying $413,100 (excluding on-road costs). But, holding the trophy of the fastest car of its class around the Nurburgring goes some length in justifying that price. Kerns said:
“No other Porsche offers such a wide spectrum between comfort and sportiness. The new Panamera combines the positive properties of an exclusive touring saloon with the handling of a sports car.”
Porsche says a video of the lap will be up soon. We’ll update this story accordingly.
